1. (a) State three of the Five Precepts - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1

Dhamma signifies the teachings of the Buddha, which include the principles that lead individuals towards enlightenment. It also represents the natural law that governs the cosmos and human existence.

Loving kindness, or metta, refers to a profound sense of love and compassion that one extends to all beings, wishing for their happiness and well-being without seeking anything in return. It is an essential element of Buddhist practice and is cultivated through meditation and nurturing positive intentions.

Buddhists adhere to the Four Noble Truths as the foundation of their teachings. They recognize:

1. The existence of suffering (Dukkha).
2. That suffering is caused by attachment (Samudaya).
3. It is possible to end suffering (Nirodha).
4. The Eightfold Path (Magga) is the means to reach the cessation of suffering.

In discussing whether behaving morally is more important than meditating, one can argue that moral behavior forms the foundation of a harmonious society, as seen in the Five Precepts. Many Buddhist scholars assert that ethical conduct is essential for the success of meditation practices, as a pure mind leads to deeper insights. Conversely, others may argue that meditation allows individuals to transcend immediate morality by understanding the nature of suffering and attachment. The balance between these practices varies among different Buddhist traditions, with some placing more emphasis on the inner experience of meditation while others prioritize ethical living as a precondition for spiritual development. Notable sources, such as the Pali Canon, suggest that both elements are significant and mutually reinforcing in the pursuit of enlightenment.